Northern Football Alliance round-up (Saturday, December 15)

A combination of both rain and frost left the vast majority of Northern Alliance pitches unplayable yesterday – and added to the scheduling headache for the fixtures secretaries, writes Jon Tait.

DIVISION TWO

Birtley Saint Joseph’s struck three times in the first half as they went to the top of Division Two in the one league game that did get played.

Martin Guy hammered in the opener against Longbenton in the 20th minute and Damien Stevens made it two eight minutes later. Stevens went clear as he latched onto James Bowman’s through-ball and rounded the keeper before sliding home.

Tony Smith’s powerful drive rounded things off five minutes before the break and put St Joseph’s level on points with promotion rivals North Shields Athletic, but leading thanks to their superior goal difference.

Mark Harmieson gave Seaton Burn the lead against Newcastle Chemfica inside 60 seconds with a 20-yard drive. Chris Homans levelled and Steve McLaughlin struck to turn things around for last season’s finalists.

But Seaton Burn fought back and Andrew Bennett hit an equaliser before Phil Bone grabbed the winner before half-time.

DURHAM FA TROPHY

Graeme King and Craig Robson’s strikes proved not enough for Gateshead Redheugh as they were beaten 4-2 by Counden & Leeholme Youth in the Durham FA Trophy quarter-final.